Zachary Bolduc: Another Player to Consider

Believe it or not, it's already August, and the Canadiens still have two restricted-free-agents without contracts for the upcoming season: Arber Xhekaj and Zachary Bolduc.

One might wonder why these two signings are dragging on for two young players who seem to be enjoying their time in Montreal.

However, with less than $10 million available in the team's salary cap, it's understandable that Kent Hughes is likely trying to sign both players at a price that will allow him to maintain some flexibility for a potential trade later on.

As for Bolduc, who finished his first season with the Habs with 30 points—including 10 goals—in 78 games, he showed flashes of promise, especially early in the season, but wasn't always consistent.

However, toward the end of the season and especially during the playoffs, the Quebec native began playing much more physically and found a new role with the Habs.

The Trois-Rivières native has not yet reached his full potential, and it's understandable that it's difficult for the organization to assess his true value, especially given the current salary cap situation.

However, as Karine Hains explains in an article in The Hockey News, Hughes may well have a new benchmark for negotiating with Bolduc, as the Sharks recently signed Collin Graf.